Cummins Diesel has a long and glorious history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This original Cummins film from 1952 tells the story. 

This little six-minute video celebrates two beloved Indiana institutions: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Cummins Incorporated. The Speedway was a pioneer in American motorsports, while the original Cummins Engine Company, about 50 miles south of Indy in Columbus, Indiana, was a pioneer in diesel engine development. Company founder Clessie Cummins was a member of the pit crew on the winning Marmon Wasp in the very first Indianapolis 500 in 1911, and unlikely as it must have seemed, he was determined to see his Cummins diesels running at the Speedway. In 1931, a Cummins with driver Dale Evans and riding mechanic Thane Houser ran the entire race without a pit stop, consuming only 31 gallons of fuel.

There would be more Cummins diesels at Indy, but the most famous of them must be the 1952 entry, which featured an innovative roadster chassis by California wizard Frank Kurtis. Powered by a mighty JBS-600 Cummins inline six laid over on its side and boosted by the first turbocharger to ever race at Indy, the ’52 Cummins won the pole qualifying position with driver Freddy Agabashian. (And naturally, the ’52 car is the focus of this neat old Cummins film.) By the way, all five Cummins diesel Indy racers will be united for the first time in the historic festivities at the 2019 Indianapolis 500. Enjoy the video.